Looking Back, Looking Forward (12/30)
Dec 30, 2008 12:06 PM
Much of Obama’s spending will focus on attempting to create so-called green jobs and on infrastructure. Such a boost in employment—Obama has set a target of trying to create 2.5 million jobs—would be a big benefit to retailers.
All of this does create some hope. Many pundits expect 2009 to be a lost year with recovery not in store until early 2010 or later. But others think that the combined efforts of the Treasury Department, the Federal Reserve Bank and the incoming Obama administration could turn things around sooner—perhaps before the end of the year. In the end, this will make for a challenging and arduous 2009. But that doesn’t mean it needs to be a bad year. Recessions and downturns also create opportunities. They lay the groundwork for the next booms.
In the retail real estate universe, opportunistic plays will emerge for investors. The real trick will be determining the optimum time to strike. Do you buy a distressed asset now or do you wait to see if prices come down just a bit further? Creative and up-and-coming retailers in a position to expand will get a crack at all sorts of prime real estate at decreased rents. Developers with cash may find bargains on land and gain access to sites that were previously off limits.
It is in this context that Retail Traffic will strive to provide incisive and up-to-the-minute news and analysis of the retail real estate sector. Now is not the time to sugar coat what’s going on. The industry faces a long slog. Retail Traffic can play a role in helping see the industry through these hard times. It can also play a role in sharing the success stories and best practices that emerge and profile the retailers poised to take advantage of today’s conditions.
Overall, to succeed, the industry needs accurate and timely information to formulate strategy for 2009 and beyond.
In order to best play our role, Retail Traffic will need change too. A monthly magazine isn’t enough. Industry pros need to know the latest information on financing trends and cap rates and on what retailers have up their sleeves as they continue to wrestle with challenging business conditions. We need to keep pace with the developments within the industry and get the information to our readers quickly.
How, exactly, do we intend to do this?
· Expanded Online Coverage – Beginning in the New Year, Retail Traffic staff will begin updating our site, www.retailtrafficmag.com, on a daily basis. On Mondays, look for our Chart of the Week that will highlight new research and data analyzing trends in the retail real estate sector. On Tuesdays, we will provide News Analysis on the biggest story in the sector that week. On Thursdays, we will begin uploading Exclusive Web Features. Topics will include market profiles, case studies, analysis of major trends in design, construction, development, management, investment, financing and retailer expansion plans. On Fridays, we will provide in-depth analysis of a Deal of the Week, while recapping all the investments and financings that occurred over the previous seven days. Lastly, the Traffic Court blog will continue to be updated daily with links to news, analysis and commentary from around the Web relevant to the retail real estate sector.
· Webinars – In 2009, also look to Retail Traffic and our sister publications Lodging Hospitality and National Real Estate Investor for a series of Webinars. These programs will tap the leading experts in retail real estate to provide case studies, strategic advice, research and analysis in online events.
Retail Traffic magazine – The magazine will continue to provide the latest industry stats, news and analysis on company strategies, deals and industry trends. We strive to have print product include the most up-to-date information and reporting. But look for changes. For example, we will be bringing our readers an expanded double issue in February.Acceptable Use Policy blog comments powered by Disqus
